Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

Alcott was an American author who wrote one of the most popular children's books of all time, "Little Women" (1868-69). Educated by her father, she was a friend of Emerson and Thoreau. Alcott insisted upon contributing to the family finances and worked as a servant and seamstress. The letters she wrote while a Civil War nurse were published as "Hospital Sketches" (1863). As sequels to "Little Women" Alcott wrote "Good Wives" (1869), "Little Men" (1871), and "Jo's Boys" (1886).